“I am short but ambitious,” declared Colonel Dilya Akhmetova of Kazakhstan, her words echoing the resilience of women breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated world of peacekeeping.
From Dr. Kiran Bedi—India’s first female IPS officer and the UN’s first woman Police Advisor—to the women peacekeepers stationed in conflict zones worldwide, the journey has been defined by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
When asked during her UN interview about her family, Dr. Bedi had famously replied, “They can take care of themselves.” It was a statement that underscored not just personal strength but the broader narrative of women peacekeepers balancing duty with societal expectations.
This spirit of resilience took centre-stage at the two-day conference titled “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective,” held recently in New Delhi. Organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), the event underscored India’s commitment to strengthening gender inclusivity in peacekeeping missions—particularly from the perspective of the Global South.
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressed participants through a video message, lauding the contribution of women in UN peacekeeping missions. “Women peacekeepers are not just participants but messengers of peace,” he remarked, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting Global South nations under the guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.
The conference brought together women peacekeepers from 35 countries, offering a platform to discuss the evolving role of women in peacekeeping and identify strategies to increase their participation. Across two days, discussions delved into pressing issues like “Addressing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” within peacekeeping environments and leveraging “Technology in Peacekeeping” to enhance operational efficiency.
Colonel Akhmetova’s insights stood out as she addressed the core challenge of perception. “Many men still view gender as a ‘women’s issue,‘” she noted, emphasizing the need for a balanced representation of men and women to foster inclusivity and improve mission outcomes. Her thoughts were echoed by Assistant Superintendent Ruth Nawila from Zambia Police Service, who stressed the importance of mixed-gender teams in building trust within conflict-ridden communities.
The conference also explored themes like “Opportunities for Collaboration in Training and Capacity Building in the Global South” and “Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Peacekeeping.” Panels featured participants from countries including Vietnam, Fiji, and Kenya, who shared insights into national initiatives promoting gender-sensitive peacekeeping, overcoming language barriers, and challenging deep-seated biases.
The event was presided over by Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani, alongside Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. Lacroix highlighted the indispensable role of women in building trust between uniformed personnel and local communities, often the first step toward sustainable peace.
In his closing remarks, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), MEA, pointed to the steady rise in women’s participation in peacekeeping—a trend that reflects the growing recognition of their contributions to conflict resolution and community resilience.
Sanjay Seth, Minister of state for defence delivered the valedictory address, emphasizing the critical role women peacekeepers play in preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for UN peacekeeping efforts and called for greater collaboration among Global South nations to address evolving security challenges.
While the conference celebrated progress, it also underscored the gap that remains. Women still account for a small fraction of uniformed peacekeepers, highlighting the need for continued advocacy, training, and policy reforms.
As the conference concluded, one message stood clear: women peacekeepers are not merely supporting players but essential leaders in building sustainable peace. From conflict zones to conference halls, their voices, experiences, and leadership are shaping a more inclusive and effective approach to global peacekeeping.
